South African football coach Pitso Mosimane marked his return to the Bafana Bafana dugout with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The match took place at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, with Mosimane's side securing three points courtesy of goals from defenders Ime Okon and substitute Samukelo Kabini. This win comes fourteen years after Mosimane's first full spell with the team ended in disappointment.
The match was a hard-earned victory for Bafana Bafana, with Mosimane's side blending continuity from the Hugo Broos era with his trademark intensity. The team showed fight, pressing high, creating chances, and refusing to fold when Guinea equalized. Okon opened the scoring in the first half, burying a loose ball from a corner to give the hosts the lead. However, Guinea levelled through Seydouba Cissé after the break, exposing a momentary lapse in Bafana's defence.
Mosimane's tactical change, introducing Kabini for Aubrey Modiba, proved decisive in securing the win. The Norwegian-based left-back powered home the winner after a contribution from fellow substitute Yanela Mbuthuma. This comeback showcased the resilience of the Bafana Bafana team, with players like Relebohile Mofokeng and Kamogelo Sebelebele delivering impressive performances. Sebelebele earned man-of-the-match honours with a determined display at right-back.
In his post-match comments, Mosimane praised the mentality on display, saying, "What a game! You have to give respect to Guinea, with the level and quality they have." He commended the team's approach, highlighting their pressing and creation of chances. Mosimane also singled out key performers, including the defensive pairing of Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya, who faced Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.
Mosimane expressed his satisfaction with the performance of players who had been part of the World Cup squad, stating, "We have to give them a chance to play, they were part of the World Cup and this is a chance for them to play." However, he was also candid about the familiar South African challenge of converting chances, noting that the team had scored only two out of six chances.
Despite the win, Mosimane remained grounded, urging his team to keep their feet on the ground. "Good start; let's keep our feet on the ground. We don't have to be too excited; it is only the first game," he said. The coach also acknowledged that there is still a long way to go, with the next match against Eritrea in Egypt serving as another test on the road to the 2027 finals.
Mosimane's return to Bafana Bafana has generated significant interest, with some of his observations about players from different clubs, including Orlando Pirates, rubbing sections of the support the wrong way. Nevertheless, the team's performance in this match has provided a positive start to his second stint as coach, with many believing that he is exactly where he belongs – guiding Bafana Bafana to victory.
Key points
- Pitso Mosimane's Bafana Bafana secured a 2-1 win over Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
- The team's victory was marked by impressive performances from players like Relebohile Mofokeng and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
- Mosimane's tactical changes, including the introduction of Samukelo Kabini, proved decisive in securing the win.
